A Wilton man has pleaded guilty to a mail fraud charge in connection to running a counterfeit painting scheme.

Authorities say Nicholas Hatch, 29, owns Hatch Estate Services in Norwalk. They say he sold counterfeit Peter Max paintings to auction companies and private buyers, claiming they were authentic.

Hatch sold 145 fraudulent Max paintings and defrauded a total of 43 purchasers for nearly $250,000.

The fraud charge carries a max sentence of 20 years in prison.

Hatch is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 30.